A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 drone crashed in Yemen early Friday, according to a U.S. military official, who initially indicated that it had crashed off the coast. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, and there were no reported injuries. Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for shooting down the drone. This is the third MQ-9 drone brought down by the Houthis since November, with each drone costing roughly $30 million. The drones are part of the U.S. military’s efforts to help defend commercial and military ships against ongoing attacks by the Houthis.
The Houthis have targeted over 100 commercial or military ships in the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden since the outbreak of Israel’s war with Hamas. The attacks are seen as a protest against Israel’s war and U.S. support for Israel, although many of the ships targeted have no connection to Israel. In response, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, along with support from other countries, have conducted joint airstrikes to destroy Houthi capabilities in Yemen. The U.S. military also regularly conducts self-defense strikes against Houthi missiles and drones to prevent attacks. Operation Prosperity Guardian, a defensive maritime operation involving more than 20 partner nations, was launched to defend commercial ships from Houthi attacks.
While the pace of attacks has slowed in recent weeks, the Houthis continue to launch attacks, including launching an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden on Thursday. Despite the attacks, there have been no injuries or damage reported from recent incidents. The U.S. has emphasized its commitment to protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as ensuring the safety of its forces. The U.S. military remains vigilant in monitoring Houthi activities and responding to potential threats to commercial and military ships in the region.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has further fueled tensions in the region, leading to increased Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. military’s efforts to defend against these attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges faced in the region. The joint airstrikes and defensive maritime operations are part of broader efforts to support allies and partners in countering threats posed by groups like the Houthis. The U.S. remains committed to protecting its interests and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the region, despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East.
